The former Ohio State All-American was a second-round pick of the Rams in 2009 and recorded at least 109 tackles in each of his seven seasons in St. Louis. He posted 142 combined tackles in 2011 and 2012 and finished his career with 869 tackles, 663 of them solo stops, with 16 1/2 sacks and 10 interceptions. The first interception of his career came during his rookie season when he picked off then-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre in a 38-10 loss.

The Rams released Laurinaitis following the 2015 season as the team parted ways with several veterans before the team moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles. Laurinaitis signed with the Saints, but played in only five games before a quadriceps injury ended his season. He was placed on injured reserve last Nov. 5 and released by the Saints on Nov. 17.

The son of former WWE wrestler Joe Laurinaitis, who was "Animal" of the famous Road Warriors tag team, Laurinaitis said he is "really looking forward to transitioning into what's next with my beautiful wife and daughters."